Warehouse management system

ABSTRACT

A warehouse management method using a pick platform may include associating a mobile computing device with a pick platform based on an identifier associated with the pick platform. A platform profile for the pick platform may be identified based on the identifier. Portions of the platform profile may be displayed using a platform profile map of the pick platform on the mobile computing device representing locations on the pick platform to which an item included in a plurality of orders is to be put.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/717,437, filed on Dec. 17, 2012, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/577,979filed on Dec. 20, 2011, the entire contents of both of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Retailers, wholesalers, rental services, and other product distributors(which may collectively be referred to as distributors) often maintainan inventory of various items that may be ordered by clients orcustomers.

Pickers can be given instructions to go to locations in inventory topick items from specified locations. Pickers will sometimes utilizeRF-connected wireless terminals or handheld scanners to receiveinstructions and to correctly pick the desired items. In addition, apicker may scan an item using the wireless terminals to ascertainwhether the item is the desired item. In some instances, a mobile cartcarrying multiple bins may be provided for the picker to use in pickingitems for an order. After an item has been picked, the picker can placethe item in a desired bin, which may be used, for example, to keepseparate orders organized, to keep similar items together, and so forth.

Conventionally, a picker may be instructed to pick items for one orderat a time, or to pick items for a batch of orders going to a pickdestination (e.g., to a particular automated sorting station, manualsorting station, packing station, or other processing station), or alist of items from various orders going to a particular destination,etc. After a picker picks the items, the picker may deliver the pickeditems to the pick destination, leaving the processing and sorting of thepicked items into their individual orders to the other employees. Theprocess may then be repeated for another list of items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional pick cart;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a pick cart with an attached mobile computingdevice in accordance with an example of the present technology;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a pick cart with a detached mobile computingdevice in accordance with an example of the present technology;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a pick cart and mobile computing deviceassociable with the pick cart using a cart identification number orbarcode in accordance with an example of the present technology;

FIG. 5 illustrates a warehouse management system including a directorcomputing device and a plurality of pick carts having mobile computingdevices associated therewith in accordance with an example of thepresent technology;

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate warehouse management systems involving computingdevices, modules, and data stores in accordance with examples of thepresent technology;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a warehouse management method in accordancewith an example of the present technology;

FIG. 9 is a view of a pick platform configuration corresponding to apick platform profile map on a mobile computing device in accordancewith an example of the present technology;

FIG. 10 is graphical user interface on a mobile computing device for usein picking items to a pick platform in accordance with an example of thepresent technology;

FIG. 11 is a graphical user interface on a mobile computing device foruse in putting items to a warehouse shelf in accordance with an exampleof the present technology;

FIG. 12 is a graphical user interface for picking or putting items awayin accordance with an example of the present technology; and

FIGS. 13-14 are flow diagrams of warehouse management methods is inaccordance with examples of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of thetechnology is thereby intended. Additional features and advantages ofthe technology will be apparent from the detailed description whichfollows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, whichtogether illustrate, by way of example, features of the technology.

It is noted in the present disclosure that when describing the system,or the related devices or methods, individual or separate descriptionsare considered applicable to one other, whether or not explicitlydiscussed in the context of a particular example or embodiment. Forexample, in discussing a warehouse management system per se, otherdevice, system, and/or method embodiments are also included in suchdiscussions, and vice versa.

Furthermore, various modifications and combinations can be derived fromthe present disclosure and illustrations, and as such, the followingfigures should not be considered limiting.

The present technology provides warehousing systems including mobile orstationary workstations, mobile device enclosures and mounting systems,software, communications and data display, including the ability toreceive and display information from a variety of host sources, tointeract with the data through touch, type or scan, and to return thatdata with pertinent changes to a host or middleware system.

Computer controlled order filling systems have been developed whichassist workers in picking inventory order items. These order fillingsystems can identify the location and quantity of order items to bepicked by a picker during the order filling process. These order fillingsystems may include a controlling computer or director computing devicewhich may be electrically connected to numerous user interface devicesmounted throughout a storage area. The user interface devices caninclude visual displays that direct the picker to the location of theorder item and display the pick quantity of order items. After thespecified quantity of the order item has been removed, the picker canconfirm through the user interface that an inventory item has beenpicked. This process may be repeated until the worker has picked theitems in the order. Existing warehouse management solutions aretypically complex and provide a Graphical User Interface (“GUI”) withlimited user data interface and exchange capabilities. Further, theexisting solutions are not able to maximize picking efficiency.

In one example of the present technology, a warehouse management systemcan include pick carts, each having an identifier associated therewith.A mobile computing device can be associated with a pick cart based onthe identifier and may be associated with one of the pick carts at atime. A director computing device can be in wireless communication withthe mobile computing device and can transmit pick instructions to themobile computing device based on a currently associated pick cartconfiguration.

The present technology relates to a combination of a mobile cart or awork station and a computing device associable therewith. In one aspect,the computing device may be a touch screen tablet computing device.Other features, such as a tablet enclosure and mount, a graphical userinterface application, and host connection to the director computingdevice may also be implemented to facilitate picking operations. Thiscombination of technologies may provide a mobility enabled datainteraction work station usable in a warehouse, storage center, or otherstorage environment that receives, stores or processes inventory.

Embodiments of the technology bring together disparate technologies tocreate an effective user experience of using vast amounts of data onwarehouse floors without the need for a traditional desktop PersonalComputer. This is accomplished using touch screen tablet computers orother such mobile devices, tablet enclosures, tablet mounts (static andswivel), user interface applications, user interface screens, host dataconnections, middleware processing and host side processing of data.

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional pick cart 110 is illustrated forpicking inventory items for filling an order. For example, the cart mayinclude one or more shelves or surfaces for supporting bins 120 orcontainers thereon, or simply for supporting picked items placedthereon. Different shelves may support different sized bins forreceiving larger quantities of items and/or for receiving physicallylarger items.

The pick cart can be mobile. As illustrated, the pick cart can includewheels 115 or another suitable mechanism for enabling a picker to movethe cart from one location to another. Some pick carts may be motorizedwhile others may be manually moveable upon application of a force by thepicker.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, a pick cart 210 is shown in accordance withanother example, wherein the pick cart has a computing device 240attached thereto, such as a tablet computing device. The computingdevice may be a mobile computing device, such as a phone, tablet,netbook, notebook, or other suitable device. The mobile device may bedetachable from the pick cart or may remain unattached from the pickcart.

In one aspect, the technology is comprised of example components, suchas: (i) a mobile pick cart 210 configured to hold inventory and/orprovide a work surface and area for warehouse and/or manufacturingtasks, which, in one embodiment, has wheels; (ii) a touch screencomputing device 240; (iii) an optional hand held scanner 260 such as abar code scanner for scanning data (the function of the hand heldscanner may optionally be performed by the computing device using, forexample, an optical detector or camera of the computing device andsoftware for performing the operations performed by the scanner in thepast; (iv) an optional enclosure 245 for the computing device; and (v)an optional mount or bracket 250 (FIG. 3) for mounting the computer tothe mobile cart or workstation.

Example implementations of the technology include various combinationsof hardware. Such hardware can include, but is not limited to, tabletcomputers, swivel mounts, stationary mounts, mounts to posts, mounts totables, pick carts, carts with shelves, work carts, table tops,forklifts, order pickers, man lifts, stock pickers, work stations,manifesting stations, value add work stations, receiving stations,and/or general warehouse vehicles. Designs of the technology includecombinations of software, such as software suites, individual apps orapplications, open connections to a host, specific connections to ahost, middleware software and/or tablet-middleware connections.

Specific non-limiting device examples used by examples of the presenttechnology can include tablet PC's/tablet computing devices 240 (e.g.,iPads, Android tablets, Windows tablets, etc.), touchscreen computingdevices, cell phone devices, BlueTooth scanners, Wi-Fi scanners, WMSs(Warehouse Management Systems), accounting systems, inventory systems,and so forth.

Examples of the present technology maintain the ability to performcalculations and data changes at device level using the computing deviceassociated with the pick cart, as opposed to previous technologies thatcould simply display, capture, and/or return data—with little to no userside calculations possible. A warehouse management system according tothe present technology may present large amounts of data, includingtext, tables and/or graphical data, to a user throughout a warehousethrough the use of touch screen tablet computers, tablet enclosures,enclosure mounts, custom user interfaces, open data connections andappropriate host side data control.

The computing device 240 associable with the pick cart 210 can beattachable to a bracket 250 (FIG. 3) which may be coupled to the pickcart via a pivoting mechanical arm 230. The mechanical arm may includeone or more hinges or pivot points 225, 235 to enable the arm to swivel,bend, extend, retract, fold, etc. Having a pivotable arm supporting themobile computing device can enable a picker to pivot the mobilecomputing device to different positions to facilitate picking of items.For example, aisles between warehouse shelves may be narrow andmaneuvering the cart into the aisle and/or within the aisle may bedifficult or unfeasible. Having a pivot arm coupled to the mobilecomputing device enables the picker to position the cart to the side ofan entrance to the aisle so that the picker can easily enter and exitthe aisle, while positioning the mobile computing device such that thepicker can view a display screen of the mobile computing device while inthe aisle. Having the computing device attached to the pivot arm whilepicking can free the picker's hands and arms to carry or move itemsbeing picked or to use another handheld scanner 260 to verify that apicked item matches a pick instruction displayed on the computingdevice.

In one aspect, the pivot arm 230 may be rotatably coupled to a corner ofthe pick cart 210, such as to a vertical post forming a part of the pickcart frame, and may be rotatable around the vertical post within a rangefrom adjacent to a shelf at the front of the pick cart, out and aroundfrom the pick cart, and back against a side of the pick cart. The pivotarm may also optionally be configured to pivot upward and downward, andmay further be repositionable at different heights on the vertical postor from one position on the pick cart to another position (such as fromone vertical post to another vertical post).

The computing device 240 may be housed in a frame 245 attachable to thebracket 250 (FIG. 3) at an end of the pivot arm 230. The bracket may bepivotable or movable with respect to the pivot arm across a wide rangeof motion in at least one plane (such as from a first orientation withthe computing device parallel and adjacent to a first side of the pickarm to a second orientation with the computing device parallel andadjacent to a second, opposite side of the pick arm). The bracket mayoptionally be pivotable across all planes, such that the computingdevice may be pivoted upwardly, downwardly, sidewardly, or at an anglewith respect to vertical or horizontal directions.

Any portion of the pivot arm 230 and/or bracket 250 may also optionallybe rotatable, to enable for example, inversion of vertical orientation.The pivot arm can include one or more hinges between the ends thereof toenable further maneuvability and positionability of the pivot arm.

The mobile computing device 240 may be enclosed in an enclosure or frame245 attachable to the bracket 250 which is configured to enablehorizontal or vertical positioning of the mobile computing device. Theenclosure may be configured to enable quick release from the bracket. Inone aspect, the enclosure may be configured to attach to a variety ofdifferent types, shapes, or sizes of mounting brackets. The enclosuremay further be configured to support one or more battery devices forpowering the mobile computing device.

Mounting of a computing device to a mobile pick cart can includesecuring the device physically, securing access to device software,providing flexibility of orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape orother), providing extended battery life of standard devices, and/orproviding a quick release for swapping of the computing device.

Software on the computing device 240 can allow display of batch pickinformation, allow a single item pick, allow order verification, alloworder receipt, allow item putaway, allowing location cycle count, allowSKU cycle count, and allow order manifest. Displaying data with aninteractive interface can include communication with a central hub(e.g., between a tablet and a data source), Bluetooth devicecommunications (e.g., between a device and a tablet), localizedcalculations (e.g., at the tablet) which include error management,updating location data, and updating SKU data.

Referring to FIG. 4, a system is shown in accordance with an example ofthe present technology, wherein one or more pick carts 410 may each havean identifier 440 associated therewith. A mobile computing device 420can be associated with a pick cart based on the identifier and may beassociated with one of the pick carts at a time. The mobile computingdevice can receive pick instructions based on a currently associatedpick cart configuration.

The mobile computing device 420 can be selectively associated with ordissociated from the pick cart 410 based on the identifier 440associated with the pick cart. The identifier may comprise any of anumber of different types of identifiers. For example, the identifiermay include a bar code, a UPC (Universal Product Code), a serial number,a QR (Quick Response) code, or any other suitable type of identifier.The association of the pick cart with the mobile computing device can beperformed in a number of ways. For example, the mobile computing devicemay be configured to optically recognize the identifier with an opticaldetector (such as a camera, for example), such as by capturing an imageof the identifier and using any of a number of currently availabletechnologies for optically recognizing codes, characters or the like. Asanother example, a picker may manually enter a cart identificationnumber into the mobile computing device using an identifier inputinterface implemented in software on the mobile computing device.

In another example, the mobile computing device 420 may be configured todetect a wireless signal from an emitter 430 on the pick cart, such as aBlueTooth, Wi-Fi, RF (Radio Frequency), NFC (Near Field Communication),or other wireless signal. The mobile computing device may include anappropriate detector for detecting the type of signal emitted from anemitter on the mobile cart. The mobile computing device may also detectthe signal from the pick cart as a signal transmitted over a wiredconnection between the pick cart and the mobile computing device. Forexample, a data cable 435 or other wired connection may extend from anidentifier device on the pick cart and be insertable into an appropriatedata port on the mobile computing device.

In one example, the mobile computing device 420 can be used to capturean image of the pick cart, including a configuration of the cart (suchas a number and/or arrangement of any shelves, bins, and so forth), andcan identify or retrieve a cart identifier based on the detected pickcart configuration.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 5. Each pick cart 510 may have aknown configuration, including for example, a number and size of bins, anumber of shelves, a height between shelves, a shelf depth, a maximumrecommended load capacity, and so forth. The configuration of the pickcarts can be associated with an identification 530 of the pick cart,such as an identification number, barcode, etc. The pick cartidentifications and configurations can be stored in a cart profile datastore accessible by a director computing device 540. The directorcomputing device may provide an interface by which newcarts/configurations may be input, by which current carts/configurationsmay be modified, and by which current carts/configurations may beremoved from the system.

Positive identification of a pick cart 510 can enable better planningfor picking particular items. For example, a large, heavy-duty cart maybe desired for picking large items or a large number of items. Somecarts may have different heights, widths, or depths which are bettersuited to picking particular items, or to entering aisles on which itemsare located. The director computing device 540 can thus use a variety ofinformation specific to the pick cart and the items to be picked todetermine the appropriate pick cart to use for a specific picking task.As another example, the director computing device may assign items to bepicked based on a current association between a pick cart and mobilecomputing device. Cart configurations may be dynamic. In other words,pickers may be enabled to change a cart configuration. In some examples,the director computing device may include instructions to the picker tochange the cart configuration in a defined manner before completing pickinstructions.

As stated previously, the mobile computing device 520 can be in wirelesscommunication 545 with the director computing device 540 and can receivepick instructions from the director computing device. The pickinstructions may be assigned and/or transmitted to mobile computingdevices 520 manually or automatically, such as according to predefinedassignment rules. Association of the mobile computing device with aspecific cart having a known configuration can assist in the flow ofinstructions from the director computing device because the directorcomputing device can “know” which carts are in use, which are availablefor association with a mobile computing device, and so forth. GPS orother positional sensing sensors can further be used to submit data tothe director computing device so that the director computing device is“aware” of a position of the mobile computing device(s) and/or pickcart(s) at any given time. The positional data can also be used inorganizing pick instructions to be sent to pickers. Furthermore, thedirector computing device can “know” where inventory is, such as whatinventory items are on the cart and/or where the cart is located due tothe association of the mobile computing device with the cart. When anitem is picked and placed on the cart, the user may input completion ofthe pick into the computing device to enable tracking of the location ofthe inventory by the director computing device. Also, this may enablethe director computing device to query what inventory items arecurrently on or located with any given pick cart.

As one example use case, a mobile computing device 520 may be associatedwith a pick cart 510 having a pick cart configuration. The directorcomputing device 540 can transmit pick instructions to the mobilecomputing device based on the configuration of the currently associatedpick cart. Any items to be picked which are incompatible with the pickcart or the picker, due to size, security, or other reasons, may beincluded in instructions sent to a different mobile device. For example,pick instructions for high security items may be assigned to specificpickers, such as by sending the pick instructions to the mobilecomputing device 520 associated with the specific picker(s) afteridentifying the association according to user login information, mobilecomputing device identification, or the like.

As another example use case, a mobile computing device 520 may beassociated with a pick cart 510 having a pick cart configuration. Thedirector computing device 540 can transmit pick instructions to themobile computing device for the picker to dissociate the mobilecomputing device from the currently associated pick cart and tore-associate the mobile computing device with a different pick cart,which may be identified by configuration characteristics, explicitidentification, and so forth. After re-association with the differentpick cart, the picker may proceed to complete pick instructions receivedfrom the director computing device. In some examples, multiple carts mayhave same or similar configurations. If the multiple carts are the sameor if the specific configuration of the cart is not important forcompleting pick instructions, the picker may be enabled to select adifferent cart independently for completing pick instructions. Theassociation of the picker's mobile computing device with the differentcart may indicate to the director computing device that the differentcart is to be used to complete the pick instructions.

In another example, picker profile information may be stored in a pickerprofile data store accessible by the director computing device 540.Picker profile information may include, for example, security clearance,experience, physical stature, and so forth. A picker can log-in to amobile computing device to be associated with the mobile computingdevice. Rather than simply distributing pick instructions to mobiledevices 520 based on pick cart configurations, the director computingdevice may further consider picker profile information. For example, ifparticular items are accessible to pickers with a specific securityclearance, pick instructions may be sent to mobile computing devicesassociated with pickers with the specified security clearance. If itemsare fragile or otherwise involve particular handling for picking,pickers with a certification or minimal level of experience may receivethe picking instructions for such items. If items are located high on ashelf or are above a certain weight, pickers with a minimum height orbuild may be selected to pick such items.

In one aspect, additional devices may be associated with the mobilecomputing device 520. For example, a handheld scanning device may be inwireless communication with the director computing device but notcurrently in direct communication with the mobile computing device. Apicker may associate the handheld scanning device with the mobilecomputing device such that any scanning or other functions performed bythe scanning device can be reported to the director computing device 540and then to the mobile computing device with which the scanning deviceis associated. Thus, the mobile computing device can confirm to thepicker the accuracy of functions performed using the scanning device.The association of the scanning device with the mobile computing devicecan be performed in a similar fashion as the association of the mobilecomputing device with the pick cart. In some examples, the scanningdevice may communicate directly with the mobile computing device.

In one aspect, the mobile computing device 520 may be used as a scanningdevice in place of traditional handheld scanning devices. A camera,optical detection device, RF detection device, or the like included withthe mobile computing device may perform the functions conventionallyperformed by handheld scanning devices.

Picking instructions may, in some examples, include instructions to usemultiple pick carts 510 to pick various items. Thus, a picker may beinstructed to pick some items using a first cart and then to switch toanother cart to continue picking items. In such an example, currentlydisplayed instructions for the picker may include instructions for thecurrently associated pick cart or pick cart configuration. Once theinstructions for the currently associated pick cart have been completed,the mobile computing device may display instructions for the next pickcart.

The mobile computing device 520 may provide a distal picker mode and aproximal picker mode. For example, in a distal picker mode, the mobilecomputing device may be configured to display a location and/or itemname or number in large text, filling a majority of the display screen,to enable the picker to view the instructions from a distance whilepicking items and the mobile computing device is attached to the pickcart. Use of a handheld scanner can trigger a change of what isdisplayed on the mobile computing device. For example, a signal to themobile computing device may be provided that the handheld scannerindicates the picker has picked the currently displayed item. In aproximal picker mode, smaller text may be provided to display a morecomplete instruction—such as displaying multiple of the items to bepicked or displaying additional information about the current item to bepicked. Some information which may be included on the display in thedistal or proximal picker modes may include, for example, detailed iteminformation, including graphics, video, drawing and relateddocumentation; warehouse locations; warehouse work stations; warehouseusers; picking steps, including graphical instructions, videoinstructions and/or related documentation; a count of available items;options to update item information/location; tracking informationregarding inventory status during a picking process; and/or any useractivity during one or more of a receiving process, a put away process,a picking process, a cycle count process, and/or an inventory controlprocess.

In one example, a method of use of the present system may include stepssuch as: identifying an item, verifying an item, showing details of anitem, and/or updating an inventory. When the picker is instructed toperform a put-away option or stocking option for returning an item to aspecific location, the method may include one or more of: directing apicker to a location, verifying a location, and/or updating inventory ata location. The picking process may include one or more of: directing apicker to a location, verifying a location, verifying an item, verifyinga pick quantity, updating a location quantity, and/or updating a picktask list.

In one aspect, the mobile computing device 520 may track a particularbin on the cart where items are stored, such as by providinginstructions to the picker to place the item in the bin and thenrequesting confirmation that the item has been placed in the instructedbin.

Portions of the systems and methods described herein may be implementedas computer readable program code executed by the processor, thecomputer readable code being embodied on a non-transitory computerusable medium.

In some examples, the system may be implemented in connection withdevices other than pick carts. For example, the mobile computing device520 may be associable with a forklift 550, a work station 555, manlifts, stock pickers, manifesting stations, value add work stations,receiving stations, general warehouse vehicles and any variety of othertypes of devices.

Referring to FIG. 6, a warehouse management system is shown inaccordance with an example of the present technology. FIG. 6 illustratesthat a device 605 may be a computing device or computing node thatincludes hardware processor devices 610, hardware memory devices 615 andInput/Output (I/O) device 620 communication to enable communicationbetween hardware devices and I/O components. Networking devices 625 mayalso be provided for communication across a network with other nodes ofthe technology. The network device may provide wired or wirelessnetworking access for the networkable devices. Examples of wirelessaccess may include cell phone network access, Wi-Fi access or similardata network access.

FIG. 6 also illustrates a computing device 605 on which modules 640,645, 650, 655, 660 of the present technology may execute. The computingdevice may include one or more processors 610 that are in communicationwith the memory devices 615. The computing device may include a localcommunication interface for the components in the computing device. Forexample, the local communication interface may be a local data busand/or any related address or control busses as may be desired.

The memory device 615 may contain modules that are executable by theprocessor(s) 610 and data for the modules. Located in the memory deviceare modules executable by the processor. For example, the modules mayinclude an order fulfillment module 640 for tracking and organizingorder fulfillment processes; a cart ID module 645 for maintaining adatabase of cart IDs and configurations for identifying a cart when acart ID is received or detected; a picker ID module 650 for identifyinga picker according to an identification number, login, information, orthe like for associating the picker with a cart and/or mobile computingdevice for picking instructions; an association module 655 forassociating a mobile computing device with a pick cart and/or formanaging or storing information related to associations of mobilecomputing devices with pick carts; and a dissociation module 660 fordissociating a mobile computing device from a pick cart and/or forediting or removing stored information related to associations of mobilecomputing devices with pick carts. Other modules may also be present andmay, for example, be located in the memory device 615. The modules mayexecute the functions described earlier. A data store 620 for storingorders, warehouse inventory and other data may also be located in thememory device for storing data related to the modules and otherapplications along with an operating system that is executable by theprocessor(s) 610.

Other applications may also be stored in the memory device 615 and maybe executable by the processor(s) 610. Components or modules discussedin this description that may be implemented in the form of softwareusing high programming level languages that are compiled, interpreted orexecuted using a hybrid of the methods.

The computing device may also have access to I/O (input/output) devices620 that are usable by the computing devices. An example of an I/Odevice is a display screen 630 that is available to display output fromthe computing devices 605. Other known I/O device may be used with thecomputing device as desired. The networking devices may be wired orwireless networking devices that connect to the internet, a LAN, WAN orother computing network.

The components or modules that are shown as being stored in the memorydevice 615 may be executed by the processor 610. The term “executable”may mean a program file that is in a form that may be executed by aprocessor. For example, a program in a higher level language may becompiled into machine code in a format that may be loaded into a randomaccess portion of the memory device and executed by the processor, orsource code may be loaded by another executable program and interpretedto generate instructions in a random access portion of the memory to beexecuted by a processor. The executable program may be stored in anyportion or component of the memory device. For example, the memorydevice may be random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flashmemory, a solid state drive, memory card, a hard drive, optical disk,floppy disk, magnetic tape or any other memory components.

The processor 610 may represent multiple processors and the memory 615may represent multiple memory units that operate in parallel to theprocessing circuits. This may provide parallel processing channels forthe processes and data in the system. The local interface may be used asa network to facilitate communication between any of the multipleprocessors and multiple memories. The local interface may use additionalsystems designed for coordinating communication such as load balancing,bulk data transfer and similar systems.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example implementation of the presenttechnology. A warehouse management system may be implemented acrossmultiple computing devices, such as computing device 710 and clientdevice 770 connected via a network 765. For example, a computing device710 may include a data store 715 and various modules 745, 750, 755, 760executable by a processor of the computing device 710 for performingvarious aspects of the present technology. Some examples of the modulesmay include a network module 745, an orders module 750, a trackingmodule 755, and a fulfillment module 760.

The data stored in the data store 715 may include, for example,unfulfilled order data 720, fulfilled order data 725, client device data730 such as identification and/or device information for mobilecomputing devices 770, picker profile information 735, cart profileinformation 740, and so forth. The term “data store” may refer to anydevice or combination of devices capable of storing, accessing,organizing and/or retrieving data, which may include any combination andnumber of data servers, relational databases, object oriented databases,simple web storage systems, data storage devices, data warehouses, flatfiles and data storage configuration in any centralized, distributed orclustered environment. The storage system components of the data storemay include storage systems such as a SAN (Storage Area Network), cloudstorage network, volatile or non-volatile RAM (Random Access Memory),optical media or hard-drive type media.

The network module 745 may provide for communication of data in the datastore 715 between the computing device 710 and the client devices 770.The orders module may facilitate management of data in the data storerelating to orders, such as by updating unfulfilled orders 720 andfulfilled orders 725 information. The tracking module 755 can track thestatus of orders or the picking process and may be configured to providea report regarding the status. The fulfillment module 760 can manageissuance of picking instructions to fulfill unfulfilled orders, andinstructions may be based on one or more of picker profile information,cart profile information, associations between client devices 770 andcarts or pickers, and so forth.

The client devices 770 are representative of a plurality of clientdevices that may be coupled to the network 765. Each client device 770may comprise, for example, a processor based system such as a computersystem. Such a computer system may be embodied in the form of a clientcomputer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile device, a handheld messaging device, a set-top box, heads up display (HUD) glasses, acar navigation system, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones,smartphones, set-top boxes, network-enabled televisions, music players,web pads, tablet computer systems, game consoles, electronic bookreaders or other devices with like capability, including capabilities ofreceiving and presenting content from a server. Each client device 770may include a respective display 785. The display 785 may comprise, forexample, one or more devices such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs), liquidcrystal display (LCD) screens, gas plasma based flat panel displays, LCDprojectors, or other types of display devices, etc.

A client device 770 may be configured to execute various applicationssuch as a browser 775 and/or a page or content access application 780for displaying pick instructions and/or data for useful applications.The browser 775 may be executed by a client device 770, for example, toaccess and render network pages, such as web pages, or other networkcontent served up by the computing device 710 and/or other servers. Thecontent access application 780 is executed to obtain and render fordisplay content features from the server or computing device 710, orother services and/or local storage media.

In some embodiments, the content access application 780 may correspondto code that is executed in the browser 775 or plug-ins to the browser775. In other embodiments, the content access application 780 maycorrespond to a standalone application, such as a mobile or desktopapplication. The client device 770 may be configured to executeapplications beyond those mentioned above, such as, for example, mobileapplications, email applications, instant message applications, and/orother applications.

Although a specific structure may be described herein that definesserver-side roles (e.g., of content delivery service) and client-sideroles (e.g., of the content access application), it is understood thatvarious functions may be performed at the server side or the clientside.

Next, a general description of the operation of the various componentsof the networked environment is provided. Pickers at client device 770access content features through the client device 770 or through contentaccess applications 780 executed in the client device 770. The clientdevice 770 may communicate with a server or director computing device710 over any appropriate network 765, including an intranet, theInternet, a cellular network, a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), a wireless data network, or a similar network orcombination of networks.

Certain processing modules have been discussed in connection with thistechnology. In one example configuration, a module may be considered aservice with one or more processes executing on a server or othercomputer hardware. Such services may be centrally hosted functionalityor a service application that may receive requests and provide output toother services or consumer devices. For example, modules providingservices may be considered on-demand computing that is hosted in aserver, cloud, grid or cluster computing system. An application programinterface (API) may be provided for each module to enable a secondmodule to send requests to and receive output from the first module.Such APIs may also allow third parties to interface with the module andmake requests and receive output from the modules. Third parties mayeither access the modules using authentication credentials that provideon-going access to the module or the third party access may be based ona per transaction access where the third party pays for specifictransactions that are provided and consumed.

The modules that have been described may be stored on, accessed by,accessed through, or executed by a computing device 710. The computingdevice 710 may comprise, for example, a server computer or any othersystem providing computing capability. Alternatively, a plurality ofcomputing devices 710 may be employed that are arranged, for example, inone or more server banks, blade racks or other arrangements. Forexample, a plurality of computing devices 710 together may comprise acloud computing resource, a grid computing resource, and/or any otherdistributed computing arrangement. Such computing devices may be locatedin a single installation or may be distributed among many differentgeographical locations. For purposes of convenience, the computingdevice 710 is referred to herein in the singular form. Even though thecomputing device is referred to in the singular form, however, it isunderstood that a plurality of computing devices 710 may be employed inthe various arrangements described above.

Various applications and/or other functionality may be executed in thecomputing device 710 according to various embodiments, whichapplications and/or functionality may be represented at least in part bythe modules that have been described. Also, various data is stored in adata store 715 that is accessible to the computing device 710. The datastore 715 may be representative of a plurality of data stores as may beappreciated. The data stored in the data store 715, for example, isassociated with the operation of the various applications and/orfunctional entities described. The components executed on the computingdevice 710 may include the modules described, as well as various otherapplications, services, processes, systems, engines, or functionalitynot discussed in detail herein.

In some examples picking options included in a graphical user interfaceon the mobile computing device may be enabled or disabled based on useridentification, pick assignments, association with different pickingdevices and so forth. For example, where a particular assignment or useridentification indicates that the user is to verify accuracy ofcompleted pick instructions, the mobile computing device may beassociated with a work station, such as a desk, packaging location,personal computer location, and so forth. In this example, options forverifying the accuracy of the completion of the pick instructions may bepresented to the user. In another example where an assignment or useridentification indicates that the user is to complete a slotting task,the user may be enabled to associate the mobile computing device with aforklift but not a pick cart, work station or other pick-related device,and options on the mobile computing device may be presented forcompleting slotting tasks, while other tasks for picking, verifying, andso forth may be disabled and/or made invisible or otherwise unavailableto the user. A user login option may also enable the user to definewhich tasks or options will be available to the user.

While the foregoing description refers to use of mobile computingdevices primarily in terms of association with pick carts, the mobilecomputing device may more broadly be used with any of a variety of pickplatforms. Some examples of other pick platforms include the pickdevices described above, such as forklifts, work stations and so forth.

Referring to FIG. 8, a flow diagram of a warehouse management methodusing a plurality of pick carts is illustrated in accordance with anexample of the present technology. The method can include dissociating810 a mobile computing device from a first pick cart when the mobilecomputing device is associated with the first pick cart. The mobilecomputing device can be associated 820 with a second pick cart based onan identifier associated with the second pick cart and pick instructionsmay be provided 830 for display on the mobile computing device based ona currently associated pick cart configuration.

The method can include physically removing the mobile computing devicefrom the first pick cart and physically positioning the mobile computingdevice with the second pick cart. The method can also include:identifying a user of the mobile computing device (i.e., the picker) anddetermining the pick instructions based on the user; and/or identifyinga configuration of the currently associated pick cart and determiningthe pick instructions based on the configuration.

In one aspect, providing the pick instructions for display may providethe pick instructions for fulfilling an individual order usingassociations of the mobile computing device with multiple of theplurality of pick carts based on identifiers associated with themultiple pick carts.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates a pick cart 910with various bins 920 or containers arranged thereon and a mobilecomputing device 930 (i.e., FIG. 9 illustrates a tablet) with agraphical user interface corresponding to the arrangement of the bins onthe pick cart. The warehouse management system may include or beoperable with a director computing device as has been describedpreviously. The pick cart may be one of any number of available pickplatforms, which may include pick carts, forklifts, work stations and soforth. Each of the pick platforms may have a platform profile associatedtherewith. The platform profile may include the configuration, presenceor arrangement of bins on the pick platform.

The warehouse management system may include a data store to store theplatform profile for each of the plurality of pick platforms. As hasbeen discussed, the platform profiles may be used in determining pickingassignments. For example, orders may be grouped based on a determinationthat a particular pick platform is suitable for use in picking each ofthe items for the orders to be grouped. Factors considered indetermining the suitability may include the number of bins on the cart,the size of the bins on the cart, the arrangement of the bins on thecart, the size of the cart, the size of items to be picked, the numberof items to be picked, the weight of items to be picked and so forth.Factors relating to the bins or the cart may be included in the platformprofile while factors relating to the items to be picked may beassociated with the respective item identifications in an item datastore.

The mobile computing device may be capable of being and configured to beassociated with a pick platform. The mobile computing device mayretrieve the platform profile from the data store for the pick platformupon association with the pick platform. The platform profile retrievedby the mobile computing device may, for example, include informationabout the bins on the cart, including a number, size, type, etc.

The mobile computing device may generate a graphical user interface 940based on the received platform profile. As illustrated in FIG. 9, thegraphical user interface 940 may include rows or columns correspondingto rows or columns of bins 920 and/or shelves on the pick cart 910 andmay identify each of the bins on the cart. The user may optionally beprompted to confirm that the platform profile displayed on the mobilecomputing device corresponds to the actual configuration of the pickcart with which the mobile computing device has been associated. If thedisplayed platform profile differs from the physical configuration ofthe pick cart, then the user may indicate that the displayed profile isincorrect and/or modify the displayed platform profile to match theactual physical configuration. When the platform profile is incorrect oris modified, the mobile computing device may notify the directorcomputing device and the director computing device may determine whetherto persist with an assignment of pick instructions in light of thediscrepancy when the pick instructions were previously determined to befulfilled by a picker associated with the particular pick cart. Inanother example, the pick instructions may not be assigned until afterthe cart configuration is confirmed to ensure that assignment of pickinstructions to the particular pick cart is appropriate. In other words,the director computing device may determine the pick instructions basedon the platform profile and may optionally update or modify the pickinstructions if the platform profile is modified subsequent toassignment of the pick instructions.

The pick instructions may include pick instructions for picking one ormore orders to the pick platform. The pick instructions may beinterpreted by the mobile computing device in light of the platformprofile. For example, the pick instructions may specify a particular bininto which a particular item is to be put after picking the item from ashelf. The mobile computing device may identify the bin into which theitem is to be put and may highlight a box on the interface correspondingto the bin. In other words, the mobile computing device may include,function as, or execute a highlight module to graphically display theplatform profile and to highlight a location on a map of the platformprofile to which an item included in the plurality of orders is to bepicked. The map, or platform profile map, may represent a number ofbins, arrangement of bins, size of bins, and so forth corresponding tothe bins on the pick platform with which the mobile computing device isassociated. As may be appreciated, different of the pick platforms mayhave different platform profiles representing different arrangements ofbins, numbers of shelves on pick carts and so forth.

Referring to FIG. 10, for example, a simplified platform profile orplatform profile map 1020 is displayed on a mobile computing device1010. In this example, a pick platform may be configured with three rowsof bins, five across. When the mobile computing device receives pickinstructions, the mobile computing device may display the boxes on thepick platform interface corresponding to the bins on the pick platformfor which items are to be picked. The mobile computing device maydisplay a pick platform map as in FIG. 10 as the instructions or maydisplay the instructions before displaying the pick platform map or mayprovide the instructions via another device, such as a barcode scannerfor example. Some implementations of these examples are described below.

The mobile computing device may receive pick instructions and the usermay indicate readiness to begin picking. The pick platform map may thenbe displayed highlighting a location of bins into which items are to beput and a number of items to put in each bin. The pick platform map mayassociate each of the bins with an order and may display the ordernumber on the box corresponding to the bins. When the user has pickedthe items for the orders and put the items in the bins, the check boxmay be selected to indicate that picking of the item for that order hasbeen completed. If the order is not completed, such as if there areinsufficient items to put into the bin or if the user has insufficienttime to complete the picking operation at that time, then the user mayselect the ‘x’ box to indicate that picking of the item for that orderis incomplete.

Marking picking of an item as incomplete may represent that no quantityof an item has been placed in the bin for the order or may representthat less than a full quantity of the items has been placed in the bin.Controls for indicating a picked quantity are described in furtherdetail below. In some examples, the ‘x’ may be used when no quantity isput in the bin and for partial picks the quantity controls may bemanipulated to indicate the picked quantity that is less than the orderquantity. The mobile computing device may thus include a partial pickmodule to enable partial completion of at least one of the orders. Thepartial pick module may enable resuming of partially picked orders, suchas after additional quantity has been stocked on the shelves or afterthe user has moved to another location in the warehouse where additionalquantities of the item are stocked.

In one example, rather than using the ‘x’ box to indicate incompletionof an order, because incompletion may be optionally identifiable throughthe quantity controls discussed below, the ‘x’ box may be used toindicate that the picked quantity to be placed in the bin has beenplaced somewhere other than the bin. For example, FIG. 9 illustrated anopen shelf at D1, which may represent an overflow for the pick cart. Ifthe items picked for an order do not fit in the bin or there is someother reason for not placing the items in the bin, the user may selectthe ‘x’ box to indicate that the items have been placed in the overflowon the pick platform. The mobile computing device may enable and trackthe placement of items in the overflow location using an overflowmodule, where the overflow location is different than the highlightedlocation of the bin.

The pick platform map may further include controls to indicate aquantity or to change a quantity, such as the plus and minus signsillustrated in FIG. 10. One example use of these is to decrement adisplayed number by one for every individual item picked and placed intothe bin. When the counter reaches zero, the number of items to be put inthe bin for the order is complete and the check box may be selected. Anumber remaining on the counter above ‘0’ when the ‘x’ box is selectedto indicate an incomplete order may be noted in the system to becompleted at another time. Another example use of the quantity controlson the pick platform map may be to increment the counter by one forevery individual item put into the bins. The scanner device, forexample, may indicate a number to be put into the bins and the user mayput the indicated number in the bins and note the number on the pickplatform map counter. As another example, rather than displaying thenumber on the scanner device, the pick platform map may indicate thenumber as X/Y, where x is the number of items put in the bin and Y isthe number of items to be put in the bin. For example, where 5 items areto be put in a bin, the counter may start at 0/5 and be incremented foreach item up until 5/5, at which time the picking of that item for thatbin may be complete. In one example, a coloration of the box or aportion of the box on the pick platform map corresponding to the bin maybe modified based on completion of the putting a sufficient number of anitem into a bin. For example, a white background may turn green when theappropriate number of items has been put into the bin. As anotherexample, once sufficient items have been placed into a bin and thequantity on the platform profile map has been updated, the boxcorresponding to the bin may be grayed out, have controls disabled,and/or otherwise become similar to other boxes that did not receive aquantity of the item because the item was not in orders corresponding tothe boxes. In this way, the user may quickly view which bins are stilltargeted for additional items and not be distracted by boxes for whichitem picking has been completed.

FIG. 10 illustrates that some of the boxes on the pick platform mapcorresponding to the bins are greyed out or otherwise provided in adiminished or reduced visibility view. In one example, a color of someof the bins may differ from others. Such distinctions may function as ahighlight to highlight bins (see highlighted bin 1040) into which itemsare to be put or to inversely highlight bins from which items are to beomitted or not put. In the example of FIG. 10, a user may quicklyascertain that the boxes with the white background correspond to binsinto which items are to be put and the grayed out boxes 1030 correspondto bins into which items are not to be put. In alternative or cumulativeconfigurations, quantity controls, number of items to be picked and soforth may be enabled, disabled, provided, hidden, etc. for specificboxes based on whether an item is to be put into a particular bin. InFIG. 10, the boxes for bins not receiving the current item are greyedout and lack controls or other interface options present in the boxesfor bins into which the current item is to be put.

The boxes highlighted for putting items may vary as picking progresses.For example, when a first item is scanned or otherwise identified to bepicked for putting in the bins, boxes corresponding to bins into whichthe item is to be placed may be highlighted. The other boxes may begrayed out or otherwise demarcated from the highlighted boxes. When asecond item is scanned or otherwise identified to be picked for puttingin the bins, the boxes corresponding to bins into which the item is tobe placed may be highlighted, which may be different than the boxes forthe first item, depending on which orders included the item (where eachbin corresponds to a different purchase order in this example).

In one example, the mobile computing device may display the item to bepicked, optionally including any useful information, some examples ofwhich may include item number, item description, location(s) of theitem, quantity of the item at each location, photograph of the item,barcode, total quantity to be picked, and so forth. The user may viewthe displayed item and move the pick cart to a location convenient forpicking the item from a shelf or other location. The user may use ascanner device to scan the item when picked from the shelf and themobile computing device display may switch to the pick platform mapdisplay to further inform the user regarding where to put the itemspicked. Once the user has completed picking the items (whethersufficient of the items are available for the orders or not), the mobilecomputing device may then display item information for the next item tobe picked.

In one example, the item information displayed may be the photograph oranother image of the item, as mentioned above. The pick instructionstransmitted from the director computing device may include thephotograph or the photograph may be stored at or otherwise accessiblefrom the mobile computing device (such as over a network). Thephotograph may be displayed as the item to pick and/or may be displayedin each of the boxes of the pick platform map.

It is noted that with regard to the configurations illustrated in FIGS.9-10 and other figures in this disclosure that the configurations may bevaried or modified in any number of ways to suit a particularapplication. As non-limiting example modifications, the platform profilemap, control options, picking/putting functions, etc. may be varied inshape, size, coloration, organization, functionality, etc. Also, whilethe platform profile map configurations of FIGS. 9-10 have beendescribed as illustrating the cart configuration, a portion of the cartconfiguration may be undisplayed, such as where there are too many rows,bins, etc. to display on the display screen of the mobile computingdevice comfortably. The undisplayed portions may be accessible, such asbe scrolling horizontally or vertically to view additionalbins/columns/rows. Gestures may also be used to interact with the mobilecomputing device, or more specifically with the platform profile map.For example, gestures such as tapping, double-tapping, swiping,pinching, stretching, circling, crossing, using multiple fingers, etc.on a touch sensitive screen of a mobile computing device may performvarious operations, such as indicating completion of an order orincompletion, changing a number of items displayed on a counter, and soforth. Other types of interactions, such as voice commands, eyemovements, non-contact gestures and so forth may also be detectable andused to perform operations.

In one example, the platform profile may be modifiable through themobile computing device when the pick platform is modified or to matchan existing pick platform configuration. The pick platform configurationmay be changed on the fly and the changes may be reflected immediatelyin the graphical user interface. The platform profile may be modifiableusing gestures or the like. For example, if a bin was moved to adifferent shelf on the pick platform, then the user may drag and drop abox corresponding to the bin from one shelf to another. If a smaller binwas replaced by a larger bin, the user may use two fingers on a touchscreen of the mobile computing device to stretch the edges of the box tothe appropriate size. In one example, the pick platform map may resizethe boxes displayed for each shelf based on the number of boxes includedfor the shelf. However, in some examples, a cart may include bins spacedapart from one another. The boxes on the pick platform map may besimilar spaced apart from one another. While modifications to the pickplatform map may be made locally at the mobile computing device andtransmitted to the director computing device, the director computingdevice may also be able to modify the platform profile or platformprofile map.

In one example, the director computing device or the mobile computingdevice may analyze the pick instructions to aggregate item quantitiesacross a plurality of orders included in the pick instructions. In otherwords, the pick instructions may include collective pick instructionsfor collectively picking multiple of a same item for multiple of theorders as a single quantity to be severally distributed to locations onthe pick platform as highlighted on the platform profile map. Thus, theuser may more efficiently pick the desired items by picking the item foreach of the multiple orders at a same time rather than picking the itemfor a first order and then picking other items for the first order andthen coming back to the item for a subsequent order.

In one example, different levels (e.g., shelves) on the pick platformmay be color-coded to different colors. The display of platform profilemay include a display of the levels with colors corresponding to thecolor-coded levels on the pick platform. For example, with reference toFIG. 10, box A3 may be colored in some way corresponding to a colormarking on the top level of the pick platform, boxes B1, B4 and B5 maybe colored differently than box A3 and may correspond to a color markingon a middle level of the pick platform and boxes C2, C3 and C5 may becolored differently than box A3 or boxes B1, B4 and B5, and maycorrespond to a color marking on a lower level of the pick platform. Thebox itself may be colored in the color matching the platform level, or aportion of the box or the contents in the box may be coloredaccordingly. For example, the labels B1, B4 and B5 may be the same coloras the color marking on the pick platform. In another example, a bar ofcolor may extend across the box behind the ‘x’ box, the box label (e.g.,131′) and the check box. In another example, the background of the boxmay be highlighted in the color of the color marking on thecorresponding pick platform level. The color marking on the pickplatform level may be implemented in a number of ways. For example, theshelf may be colored, a vertical bar/post at ends of the shelf may becolored, a colored tag, sticker or other marker may be placed orattached to the level, etc. In another example, the different levels mayinclude LED (light emitting diode) lights to light up in the appropriatecolor for each level. Color coding of the levels with a correspondingdisplay of color on the mobile computing device may enable a user toquickly identify a level on which items are to be put without resortingto counting the levels on the display to match the levels with the pickplatform.

The present technology may be implemented on the mobile computing deviceas a mobile computing device system. The present technology may beimplemented at a director computing device as a director computingdevice system, where the pick platform map, pick instructions, etc. areprovided for display on the mobile computing device with minimalcomputation by the mobile computing device. The present technology maybe implemented using the computing capabilities of both the mobilecomputing device and the director computing device, where each deviceperforms different, complementary functionality. Either device may workin cooperation with a handheld scanning device. Pick platforms may beused in connection with the computing device hardware as a platform formanaging orders and items picked for the orders.

In one example, a warehouse management system may be provided as aplurality of pick platforms, a data store to store a platform profilefor each of the plurality of pick platforms, and a director computingdevice. The director computing device may be configured to communicatewith a mobile computing device associated with a pick platform and totransmit pick instructions to the mobile computing device based on theplatform profile for the pick platform, the pick instructions includinginstructions to graphically distinguish portions of the pick platform towhich items in a plurality of orders are to be picked from otherportions of the pick platform representing orders omitting the items.

In some implementations, items may be stored on high shelves or inotherwise difficult to access locations. Carousels, vertical liftmodules (VLM), robots, and the like may be used as intermediary devicesto transport picked items from the shelf to the pick platform where theitems are sorted for the different orders. When the user is picking theitems from these locations, the user may simply know a quantity of theitem to pick. The user may refer to the quantity on the item informationdisplay before using the VLM, for example, or may bring the mobilecomputing device on the VLM to pick the items. Because the user is notplacing the items in the bins immediately, the platform profile map neednot be displayed during this intermediate phase. Rather the mobilecomputing device may simply show the item information, such as thetitle, total quantity for the combined orders, item photograph, etc.Once the items have been picked and brought in proximity to the pickplatform, the user may select to display the pick platform profile map,highlighting the bins into which the picked items are to be placed. Forthe intermediary phase, the picked items may be placed in a singlecollective bin. The picked items may include different types of items.The picked items in the intermediary or collective bin may beunorganized and may be organized when placed to the final bin on thepick cart. When the picked items in the collective bin include differenttypes of items, the user may scan each of the different items when inproximity to the pick platform for the mobile computing device tohighlight the bins into which the items are to be placed. This pickingmethod, with the intermediary picking phase, may be ‘suspended picking’.

In addition to use in picking items for orders to be fulfilled, thegraphically user interface may be used for putting items on the shelf,such as for stocking the items, re-stocking the items after a return orcanceled order, and so forth. FIG. 11 illustrates a shelf put view ofthe graphical user interface 1120 on a mobile computing device 1110 inaccordance with an example of the present technology. A handheld scannermay be used to scan a section of a shelf or rack unit on an aisle in awarehouse. The graphical user interface of FIG. 11 may represent theconfiguration of the shelves in the shelf unit of the section. Theshelves may include bins, boxes or other containers or otherwise bedivided or compartmentalized for placement of different items. Thecompartmentalization of the shelves may be represented by the boxes inFIG. 11 (labeled as A1, A2, etc.). The graphical user interface mayinclude various controls or display options similar to those describedabove with respect to FIG. 10, such as quantity displays and controls,location or compartment identification (e.g., A1, A2, etc.), and soforth.

The present technology may further enable a system of random inventorywith mixed product per location. Rather than directed put-away of items,the present technology enables users to decide where to put items. Usersmay divide a quantity of items to be put-away and put the items todifferent locations. The different locations may preferably be spacedwith other intervening locations rather than right next to one another.Random inventory with mixed product per location may be useful indistributing inventory throughout a warehouse so that no single locationbecomes congested for processing a large number of orders and so thatdistance between different items of a same order is likely reduced tospeed of picking time for the orders. Also, random inventory with mixedproduct per location enables large quantities of product to bedistributed more evenly in available storage space without devoting asingle, large space to the large quantity. Quantities of items in thewarehouse may fluctuate and a large space dedicated to what may at timesbe a small quantity results in inefficient use of space. Also, becauseeach location may contain mixed products or items, the physical spacevolume of each location may be more fully utilized. This may enable awarehouse to occupy a smaller footprint for a same quantity of variedproducts or may enable a warehouse to stock a larger quantity and/orvariety of products without increasing the footprint of the warehouse.As a result revenue may be increased and/or expenses decreased.

The graphical user interface of FIG. 11 may enable a user to select alocation to place items, or a location from where items may be removed.The addition or removal of items to a location may be managed using the‘+’ or ‘−’ buttons or using other inventory control mechanisms providedthrough the interface of the mobile computing device or handheldscanner. The graphical user interface may include various indicators foruse by the user in putting or removing items to or from the shelf. Forexample, a house image 1130 may represent a home or primary location forstoring items. A home location may be one which is reserved for aparticular item to the exclusion of other items. Locations without thehome icon may be available for mixed product storage. The boxes on theinterface also may include a connected chain or a broken chain. Aconnected chain 1140 may indicate that the location is chained,restricted, locked, or otherwise unavailable currently for putting orremoving items. A broken chain 1150 may indicate that the location isavailable for items to be put to or removed from. Any of a variety ofother icons may be used and/or the icons may be given differentfunctionality or meaning depending upon a particular application.

FIG. 12 illustrates another example display screen for facilitatingrandom inventory with mixed product per location. In this example, aproduct, “blueberries” is to be put away. A user may scan a barcode orother identifier on the blueberries to be put away and a graphical userinterface such as the one in FIG. 12 may be displayed. The display mayinclude an identification 1210 of the product, including an image 1220of the product, and may identify current locations of the product in thewarehouse. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates that blueberries arecurrently located at location L0504 1230 on Aisle 05 1240, that 27 units(quantity 1260) are available at this location, and the location type1250 is “home” (see description of FIG. 11 for discussion of “home” typelocation).

The user may scan a desired put away location and the interface maydisplay the scanned location 1270 where the blueberries to be put awayare to be put. In FIG. 12, the location is the same location as thelisted current location: L0504. The user may also enter the units orquantity 1280 of the product to be put to the location. In this example,the number of units to be put away is ‘1’. When the user selects the“put away” option 1290, the operation may be completed and the quantityof blueberries at location L0504 may be incremented by the number putaway to the location (i.e., ‘1’). While this example illustrates asingle location for the blueberries, a random inventory with mixedproduct per location scenario may commonly list multiple locations ofdifferent types, in different zones, and with different quantities for asame product. This user interface may be useful in determining fromwhich location to pick a product, to which location to put a product andso forth.

The mobile computing device may thus store information regarding eachlocation where a product is available. A user may be trained to combineunique items in a same location, but the system may preferably restricta user from putting similar items in a same location. The inclusion ofsimilar items in a same location may increase the difficulty and time inidentifying the correct items when subsequently picking from thelocation, as well as increase the likelihood of error. For example,where a warehouse stocks t-shirts, the mobile computing device may allowthe user to put uniquely colored t-shirts, such as red t-shirts, bluet-shirts and green t-shirts in a same location. However, if the userwishes to put multiple different sizes of red t-shirts away, the mobilecomputing device may restrict the user from putting multiple differentsizes in a same location. Rather, for example, the user may be permittedto place a ‘small’ size in one location, a ‘medium’ size in anotherlocation, a ‘large’ size in another location, and so forth.

Various rules may be implemented on the computing device, as may bereceived from the director computing device or included on the softwareof the mobile computing device. These rules may dictate which items mayor may not be co-located, how far apart similar items are to be placed,and so forth. The rules may be used to enforce the home location,connected chain or broken chain locations, and so forth. The rules mayinclude any suitable restriction for restricting the placement ofproducts suitable for various implementations. For example, the systemmay allow a user to perform random placement of product within reason,but may restrict the user from placing chemicals that may react next toone another or even in a same location, such as placing bleach next tohydrogen peroxide. High value items may not be allowed to be put away inany location but may be restricted to a secure location. Any number ofother rules are also conceivable. These rules may be defined at themobile computing device or the director computing device. Defined rulesmay be propagated to other mobile computing devices in communicationwith the mobile computing device or director computing device where therule was defined.

In addition to being used for put-away operations, the interface of FIG.12 may be used for picking operations as well. For example, the pickinstructions may display product information such as that in FIG. 12 anda user may select a location to begin picking. The user may select thelocation such as via the mobile computing device or by scanning thelocation after moving to the location. A subsequent display screen mayillustrate the total quantity of the item to be picked for theaggregated orders, and a further subsequent display may illustrate theplatform profile map with highlighted locations when the user is readyto put the items to the bins on the pick platform.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate flow diagrams of methods according to the presenttechnology. For simplicity of explanation, the methods are depicted anddescribed as a series of acts. However, acts in accordance with thisdisclosure can occur in various orders and/or concurrently, and withother acts not presented and described herein. Furthermore, not allillustrated acts may be required to implement the methods in accordancewith the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the artwill understand and appreciate that the methods could alternatively berepresented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram orevents. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the methodsdisclosed in this specification are capable of being stored on anarticle of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring suchmethods to computing devices. The term article of manufacture, as usedherein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or storage media.

Any of a variety of other process implementations which would occur toone of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited tovariations or modifications to the process implementations describedherein, are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, a warehouse management method is illustrated as aflow diagram in accordance with an example of the present technology.The method may include associating 1310 a mobile computing device with apick platform based on an identifier associated with the pick platformand retrieving 1320 pick instructions for display on the mobilecomputing device based on a currently associated pick platformconfiguration. The method may include providing 1330 the pick platformconfiguration or platform profile map for display on the mobilecomputing device. A portion of the pick platform configuration displayedon the mobile computing device may be highlighted 1340 to represent alocation on the pick platform to which an item is to be picked, based onthe pick instructions, or rather a location to which an item is to beput after being picked from a warehouse location.

The method may include dissociating the mobile computing device from thepick platform and associating the mobile computing device with a secondpick platform having a different pick platform configuration. Theappropriate locations on a platform profile map of the different pickplatform configuration may be highlighted for orders received aftercreating the new association.

The pick instructions may include instructions to pick items formultiple orders from at least one of multiple available productlocations. This may be a result of random inventory with mixed productper location. The pick instructions may include a designation of thevarious locations where the items are available, as described withrespect to FIG. 12. In addition to being used for picking products fromlocations with random, mixed inventory, the method may receive inputfrom a user to put mixed items at user-determined locations andoptionally restrict placement of the mixed items based on pre-definedrules, using the mobile computing device. Some example rules forrestricting placement may include restricting placement of same items inadjacent locations; restricting placement of multiple sizes of a sameitem in a same location; restricting placement of items of a similarcolor in a same location; or restricting placement of chemicallyreactive items in a same location or in adjacent locations. As has beendescribed, photographs of the items may be stored and available fordisplay. To implement rules based on color restrictions, the mobilecomputing device may analyze the photographs of the two differentproducts to determine a degree of similarity or difference in color. Anobjective for restricting similar colors is to increase the speed,efficiency and accuracy with which products may be picked from warehouselocations. In one example, the method may include providing indicatorsfor display of the mobile computing device consistent with thepre-defined rules indicating whether the item is allowed or disallowedto be placed at a placement location. Some example indicators mayinclude the linked and broken chains illustrated in FIG. 11 or open andclosed padlocks or the like.

The method may include receiving input from a user to perform asuspended pick operation. For example, identification of the item in atleast one of the plurality of orders may be received as the item ismoved from a location to an unorganized suspended pick platform. The atleast one of the plurality of orders may be suspended as incomplete forthe at least one of the plurality of orders including the item.Identification of the item may be received as the item is moved from theunorganized suspended pick platform, such as by scanning the item. Theat least one of the plurality of orders may be completed when the itemis moved from the unorganized suspended pick platform to the highlightedportion or location of the pick platform.

Additional example details, operations, options, variations, etc. thatmay be part of the method have been described previously herein and/orare described in further detail below. Various systems, devices,components, modules and so forth for implementing the method may also beused, as described with respect to the various examples included in thisdisclosure.

With reference to FIG. 14, another warehouse management method using apick platform is illustrated in accordance with an example of thepresent technology. The method may include associating 1410 a mobilecomputing device with a pick platform based on an identifier associatedwith the pick platform, identifying 1420 a platform profile for the pickplatform based on the identifier, and displaying 1430 portions of theplatform profile using a graphical map of the pick platform on themobile computing device representing locations on the pick platform towhich an item included in a plurality of orders it to be picked.

The present technology may enable picking of items for multiple ordersusing a single graphical display. In other words, multiple orders may beassociated with a graphical display. A user may pick same items for eachorder to be picked by the user. The user may pick a sufficient quantityof a same item for each of the orders to be fulfilled on the pick cartand then may divide or sort the items to the appropriate bin. In otherwords, the system may analyze each of the orders assigned to be pickedby the user, aggregate items to be picked into a single quantity foreach item, and display the aggregate number to the user. When the usercompletes picking the items, the graphical interface may display thelocation of the bins and the quantity of items for each of the items.

In one example, the boxes on the mobile computing device correspondingto bin locations on the pick platform may be highlighted before an itemis scanned to be put to the bins. In another example, the boxes on themobile computing device corresponding to bin locations on the pickplatform may be highlighted after an item is scanned to be put to thebins. In some examples, the system may forgo scanning of the item eitherbefore or after highlighting and allow a user to view the item, put theitem in the appropriate bin, and indicate completion of the pick,without scanning items or locations. This option may be implementedbased on experience of the individual user, personal or businessoperation preferences or otherwise to suit a particular application.

In one example, after picking of an item for an order is complete, theboxes may remain highlighted until the next item is selected. The boxesmay be optionally modified in some way to indicate completion or remainunchanged. For example, a modification may be that that number of itemspicked is changed to match the number of items requested for an order,or the selection of the check box of FIG. 10.

Similarly as mentioned in the description of the method illustrated inFIG. 13, additional example details, operations, options, variations,etc. that may be part of the method illustrated in FIG. 14 have beendescribed previously herein and/or are described in further detailbelow. Various systems, devices, components, modules and so forth forimplementing the method may also be used, as described with respect tothe various examples included in this disclosure.

In some examples, this or other methods described herein may beimplemented wholly or partially as computer readable program codeexecuted by a processor and the computer readable code may be embodiedon a non-transitory computer usable medium.

While the flowcharts presented for this technology may imply a specificorder of execution, the order of execution may differ from what isillustrated. For example, the order of two more blocks may be rearrangedrelative to the order shown. Further, two or more blocks shown insuccession may be executed in parallel or with partial parallelization.In some configurations, one or more blocks shown in the flow chart maybe omitted or skipped. Any number of counters, state variables, warningsemaphores or messages might be added to the logical flow for purposesof enhanced utility, accounting, performance, measurement,troubleshooting or for similar reasons.

Some of the functional units described in this specification have beenlabeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize theirimplementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented asa hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmablehardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmablearray logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by varioustypes of processors. An identified module of executable code may, forinstance, comprise one or more blocks of computer instructions, whichmay be organized as an object, procedure or function. Nevertheless, theexecutables of an identified module need not be physically locatedtogether, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in differentlocations which comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose forthe module when joined logically together.

Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or manyinstructions, and may even be distributed over several different codesegments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated hereinwithin modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organizedwithin any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may becollected as a single data set, or may be distributed over differentlocations including over different storage devices. The modules may bepassive or active, including agents operable to perform desiredfunctions.

The technology described here may also be stored on a computer readablestorage medium or computer readable storage device that includesvolatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implementedwith any technology for the storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Computer readable storage media include, but is not limited to, RAM(Random-Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM (Compact Disc, Read-Only Memory), DVD (DigitalVersatile Discs) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetictapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or anyother computer storage medium which may be used to store the desiredinformation and described technology.

The devices described herein may also contain communication connectionsor networking apparatus and networking connections that allow thedevices to communicate with other devices. Communication connections arean example of communication media. Communication media typicallyembodies computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules and other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier waveor other transport mechanism and includes any information deliverymedia. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediaincludes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection,and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency, infrared and otherwireless media. The term computer readable media as used herein includescommunication media.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combinedin any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the precedingdescription numerous specific details were provided, such as examples ofvarious configurations to provide a thorough understanding of examplesof the described technology. One skilled in the relevant art willrecognize, however, that the technology may be practiced without one ormore of the specific details, or with other methods, components,devices, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operationsare not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of thetechnology.

Reference has been made to the examples illustrated in the drawings, andspecific language has been used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of thetechnology is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications ofthe elements illustrated herein, and additional applications of theexamples as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in therelevant art and having possession of this disclosure are to beconsidered within the scope of the description.

With the general examples set forth herein, it is noted that whendescribing a system, or the related devices or methods, individual orseparate descriptions are considered applicable to one other whether ornot explicitly discussed in the context of a particular example orembodiment. Furthermore, various modifications and combinations may bederived from the present disclosure and illustrations, and as such, thefigures should not be considered limiting.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or operations, it is to be understood that thesubject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limitedto the specific features and operations described above. Rather, thespecific features and acts described above are disclosed as exampleforms of implementing the claims. Numerous modifications and alternativearrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the described technology.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A warehouse management system, comprising:a plurality of pick platforms; a data store to store pick instructionsand a platform profile for each of the plurality of pick platforms; anda mobile computing device configured to be associated with a pickplatform and to retrieve the platform profile from the data store forthe pick platform upon association with the pick platform, the mobilecomputing device being further configured to graphically display theplatform profile, using a highlight module, and to highlight a locationon a platform profile map corresponding to a pick platform profile for apick platform, the location representing a location to which an itemincluded in the plurality of orders is to be picked and the platformprofile map being a graphical representation of the platform profile;wherein the highlight module provides reduced visibility orfunctionality of a second location on the platform profile map for apredefined condition; and wherein the pick instructions comprise pickinstructions for picking a plurality of orders to the pick platform andare based on the platform profile.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thepredefined condition is an order omitting the item.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the predefined condition is the item having beenpicked.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the platform profile reflectsa number and arrangement of bins on the pick platform.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein different of the plurality of pick platforms comprisedifferent platform profiles.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theplatform profile is modifiable through the director computing device orthrough the mobile computing device when the pick platform is modified.7. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile computing device comprisesan overflow module to enable placement of the item in an overflowlocation different than the location highlighted.
 8. The system of claim1, wherein the mobile computing device comprises a partial pick moduleto enable partial completion of at least one of the orders.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the partial pick module further enablesresuming picking the at least one of the orders.
 10. The system of claim1, wherein the pick instructions comprise collective pick instructionsfor collectively picking multiple of a same item for multiple of theplurality of orders as a single quantity to be severally distributed tolocations on the pick platform as highlighted on the platform profile.11. The system of claim 1, wherein different levels on the pick platformare color-coded to a different color, and wherein the mobile computingdevice is configured to provide the display of the platform profileincluding a display of the levels with colors corresponding to thecolor-coded levels on the pick platform.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the pick instructions comprise an image of the item included inat least one of the plurality of orders.
 13. A warehouse managementmethod, comprising: associating a mobile computing device with a pickplatform based on an identifier associated with the pick platform;retrieving pick instructions for display on the mobile computing devicebased on a currently associated pick platform configuration; providingthe pick platform configuration for display on the mobile computingdevice; graphically highlighting a first portion of the pick platformconfiguration displayed on the mobile computing device representing alocation on the pick platform to which an item is to be picked, based onthe pick instructions; and providing reduced visibility or functionalityof a second portion of the pick platform configuration for a predefinedcondition, the second portion being separate from the first portion. 14.The method of claim 13, further comprising dissociating the mobilecomputing device from the pick platform and associating the mobilecomputing device with a second pick platform having a different pickplatform configuration.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the pickinstructions comprise instructions to pick items for the plurality oforders from at least one of a plurality of locations as a result ofrandom inventory with mixed product per location, the pick instructionsincluding a designation of the plurality of locations where the itemsare available.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising receivinginput from a user to put mixed items at user-determined locations, andrestricting placement of the mixed items using the mobile computingdevice based on pre-defined rules.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinthe predefined rules include at least one rule selected from the groupconsisting of: restricting placement of same items in adjacentlocations; restricting placement of multiple sizes of a same item in asame location; restricting placement of items of a similar color in asame location; or restricting placement of chemically reactive items ina same location or in adjacent locations.
 18. The method of claim 16,further comprising providing indicators for display of the mobilecomputing device consistent with the pre-defined rules indicatingwhether the item is allowed or disallowed to be placed at a placementlocation.
 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising receiving inputfrom a user to perform a suspended pick operation, comprising: receivingidentification of the item in at least one of the plurality of orders asthe item is moved from a location to an unorganized suspended pickplatform; suspending the at least one of the plurality of orders asincomplete for the at least one of the plurality of orders including theitem; receiving identification of the item as the item is moved from theunorganized suspended pick platform; and completing the at least one ofthe plurality of orders when the item is moved from the unorganizedsuspended pick platform to the highlighted portion of the pick platform.20. A warehouse management system, comprising: a plurality of pickplatforms; a platform profile data store to store a platform profile foreach of the plurality of pick platforms; and a mobile computing deviceconfigured to communicate with a director computing device andassociated with a pick platform, the mobile computing device configuredto receive pick instructions from the director computing device based onthe platform profile for the pick platform, the pick instructionsincluding instructions to graphically distinguish portions of the pickplatform to which items in a plurality of orders are to be picked fromother portions of the pick platform representing orders omitting theitems, wherein the graphically distinguished portions of the pickplatform representing orders omitting the items have reduced visibilityor functionality.
 21. A computer-implemented warehouse management methodusing a pick platform, comprising: associating a mobile computing devicewith a pick platform based on an identifier associated with the pickplatform; identifying a platform profile for the pick platform based onthe identifier; displaying a portion of the platform profile of the pickplatform using the mobile computing device, the portion representing alocation on the pick platform to which an item included in a pluralityof orders is to be put; and graphically distinguishing a portion of theplatform profile representing a location on the pick platform from whichthe item is to be omitted from the portion representing the location towhich the item is to be put, the portion from which the item is to beomitted having reduced visibility or functionality.